sjm34 wrote:monsterpile wrote:Teddy was a magician in the pocket using his feet to extend the play. The only issue was him not wanting to cut it loose. Some of that was about talent around him and having to fit in with AP. It think his pocket presence knowing what was around him in the backfield was a big asset of his game.
One consideration is whether he can get back to the player he was much less be better than what he was. Idk if feel optimistic and yet realistic at the same time. Fortunately the Vikings don't have to make a decision for a while. It's good Teddy got out there just to get that likely emotional moment out of the way in case they actually need him to play this year if Case was to get hurt.
You make it sound like AP was a negative. The guy rushed for over 1400 yds with a 4.5 avg. He also forced the defense to set up against the run, regularly having 8 sometimes 9 guys in the box which forced one on one coverage on the outside, and yet Teddy still couldn't take advantage of it. That was a QB's dream, except for the fact that our QB didn't feel good taking snaps under center!
Thielen didn't suddenly get faster or better hands, and a line that allows a guy to gain 1400 yds can't be to bad. Teams don't stack up against the run this season, particularly since Cook went down. This makes it much more difficult for Case, having to worry about safeties roaming downfield.
I hear many excuses for Teddy based on personnel, but yet those same posts have no problem lumping in Keenum's stats while he was on other teams.
I have very little faith in Teddy improving much simply because he was already poised as a rookie. It was his arm strength that held him back and a lack of confidence related to it. Most young QBs improve in the poise and defense reading areas.
The "lack of arm strength" argument is a myth. Teddy was tested at 54 MPH which is right in the middle of NFL starters. Top guys are around 60, bottom end was 48 Mike Glennon. Ponder was 51 if I remember correctly.
The only place Teddy had problems was overthrowing deep bombs to WR's down field. Some say it was his arm motion. IDK. It wasn't a lack of arm strength.
For sure, having AP is good and bad. He was always a not so great pass blocker as well as receiver. Many times Teddy's job was the hardest on the field because his job was to convert the 3rd and long when the runs on 1st and 2nd down failed.
His stats based on per attempt were very good as well as the offense overall. 11th in 2015 in Points Per Drive.
Let's not kid ourselves, the OLine was not good in 2015. Most of us wanted some upgrades and Spielman attempted to, but with injuries they actually were worse in 2016 by a bit. Went from Bad to horrible.
Many people say Bradford played better then Teddy. Well not really. The offense was 22nd under Bradford last season. It was actually 28th before the last game too!!!
Not every WR, just shows up and lights it. Especially undrafted guys from small schools. I bet you anything if you asked the coaches and Thielen himself if he is better today then in 2014-2015, you know the answer. Diggs was a Rookie but as soon as he got in he was the best WR on the team. I want to say around week 5.
Anyways, I have no doubts that the offense has gotten significantly better. Better OLine, WR's and play calling/design. Not taking anything away from Case, he's done a good job. I just have to credit everyone else for stepping up.